Ann Arbor school board members, 'shocked' by football fight, encourage lessons on sportsmanship
Players and coaches run over tossed helmets in a brawl following the concluding of the game between Huron and Pioneer High Schools Friday.
Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com
Previous coverage:
- Six second half personal fouls escalated tension before Pioneer-Huron brawl
- Ann Arbor Public Schools officials meeting Monday to determine next steps in aftermath of football brawl
- Mother of Huron player injured in high school football brawl: 'It's just terrible'
- One victim sent to hospital, no arrests made after on-field brawl at Huron, Pioneer football game
Ann Arbor school board members, “shocked” by the brawl that broke out at Friday’s Pioneer versus Huron football game, expressed a hope that the greater school community will use the altercation as a way to remember what participating in sports is all about.
School officials met Monday — and Sunday, according to sources — to take action on the brawl. Outcomes from the meeting were not released as of 3:30 p.m. Monday.
“My understanding is that the investigation is ongoing and that the district is taking the appropriate and measured approach to figuring out exactly what happened, so in the aftermath of this unfortunate incident … they are not going to compound anything,” said Board President Deb Mexicotte.
She said the school board typically receives information about investigation findings and outcomes all at once, simultaneous with or just prior to the district releasing information to the public.
“From what I’ve heard from parents, most want us to get it right, too. … We do not condone this kind of behavior under any circumstance. … But these parents — and all of us — care about their athletic program and want to see this end with all the facts,” Mexicotte said.
Mexicotte expressed her sympathy to the student who was injured in Friday’s “heat-of-the-moment” altercation. She added she also was pleased by the number of staff, students and community members who stepped up to defuse the situation and stepped up to be leaders following the incident.
When news of the fight first reached Trustee Simone Lightfoot, who was travelling out of town, she was “disturbed.”
“I first was worried about the kids, were they hurt, how many were hurt,” Lightfoot said. “I didn’t even think about how some of the grown folks may have been involved until later. … I don’t know how I’ll feel about that until I have more information. I’m looking forward to the investigation.”
As a board member, Lightfoot knows the value of having adequate information before jumping to conclusions, so she’ll be waiting in anticipation to hear what school officials determine was behind the fight, she said.
Board Secretary Andy Thomas added “shocked,” “saddened” and “disappointed” to the list of adjectives board members used to describe their feelings when they learned of the fight.
Thomas said he is glad the district is waiting to communicate with the public until they have the facts of what happened straight.
Trustee Susan Baskett seconded Thomas’ disappointment.
“Here all the effort the district puts into teaching kids about appropriate behavior and conduct, sportsmanship and personal responsibility and the like, and here it was the adults that were out of control — how disappointing,” she said.
Trustee Glenn Nelson also is pleased with how the district has been handling the situation thus far. He said he and his fellow board members received an email from District Spokeswoman Liz Margolis late Friday night informing them that an incident had occurred — “so we wouldn’t be surprised when we read it in the papers.”
What allegedly transpired, Nelson didn’t learn until after seeing accounts in the local media, he said. Not commenting on Friday’s fight specifically, he said coaches need to set good examples for their student athletes.
“I think coaches, as a general rule, should model the behavior of working hard and intensely, trying to do one’s best, but combining it with respect for the other players on the field,” he said.
Nelson said he is glad to see the district investigating this incident as a very serious and high-priority matter.
“They’ve cleared their calendars of other events, which shows the importance their placing on this. … They’re not excusing it as an incident of boys will be boys,” he said.
Vice President Christine Stead said she hopes while people are talking about what went wrong Friday night that they also are reminding one another that participating in athletics is a privilege and plays an important role in children's development of necessary life skills.
She said athletics can be a “fast track learning curve” for many of life’s situations that call for teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship.
“Leadership is seen in many ways, but is expected of coaches,” Stead said in a post on her education blog in the hours following the incident. “Coaches spend the most time with the team and understand the value of the lessons, mentioned above, that are available through athletics. Coaches set the tone and show children the way. They are people, too. We all keep learning, if we are engaged in life at all.
“That being said, we have higher expectations for those in a leadership role, and our coaches bear that accountability.”
When incidents like Friday night occur, Stead said everyone — parents, coaches and students — need to be reminded of these expectations.
Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
PineyWoodsGuy
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 6:25 a.m.
Mexicotte. Do Your Job, or Get Out! The Brawl of our students, sending some to the hospital is Totally Appaling! I Urge you to Kick Butt! Otherwise you are a Totally Useless Sychophant (look up the word if your don't understand it) on the School Board. Talk about "disgrashes," the Brawl was Criminal and I Hope the Prosecuting Attorney will bring criminal charges against the "sportsman" criminals!
jackdaniels
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4 a.m.
Perhaps they should take half of each team and swap them with the other team making it 50/50 huron/pioneer per team, then swap coaches. And make both teams finish the rest of their seasons that way. Could be a interesting lesson for them.
jackdaniels
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:45 a.m.
One thing is for sure, that Paul test and the Pioneer football program is a class act! (yes this is sarcasm)
Quitcrying
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:30 p.m.
Clearly you support another school.
jns131
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:26 a.m.
I just got an email and a voice mail from both principals apologizing for this outrages behavior between the two teams. Both principals states that what needs to happen next is community involvement in team spirit and a sense of outward team spiritness as well. They said they are now waiting on the decision on the MHSAA, police and who ever else is making decisions that involve this. Can't wait.
Basic Bob
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:51 a.m.
This school board is usually all talk and no action, so excuse me if I expect nothing to change.
jns131
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:27 a.m.
That sums up AAPS BOE exactly.
demistify
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:37 a.m.
"She said the school board typically receives information about investigation findings and outcomes all at once, simultaneous with or just prior to the district releasing information to the public." It sounds like the School Board completely abdicates its responsibilities.
Salbolal
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:26 a.m.
Let's see. We heard from the district's spokesperson. We heard from the School Board. Ummmm....where is our fearless leader, the Superintendent? Am I the only person who is worried?
a2roots
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
Get a grip people. Calling for heads and discontinuing football is nonsense. Suspensions are more pertinent. These coaches do not teach this attitude. The kids bring it with them. Hang out in a hallway some day and you will see and hear it. Both coaches definitely are flawed. Gildersleeve in losing his temper and for his behavior. Test apparently did not exhibit poor behavior but his players are a reflection of him and they are the ones as reported that did the taunting and did not carry out plays as directed. This is a rivalry game and it is quite apparent the coaches and officials lost control. I played football for one of these schools and 40 years ago the tension was just as high but there was a more respect back then for your coaches, fellow athletes, teachers and parents.
mibadger
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 10:17 p.m.
http://www2.wxyz.com/dpp/news/2-ann-arbor-football-coaches-suspended-after-team-fight
John
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
I think that if a player of any sport in high school should be benched for the rest of the season, or even be removed from the team if he or she starts or participates in a brawl like we had the other night. If we make the rules stick and enforce them, maybe they might get the idea. I think to many kids today learn some of this from our above the law pro athletes, and that sportsmanship has gone out the window.
DonBee
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
Just got the two principal phone call from Pioneer and Huron. It sounds like they will drag this out for a few months, based on the tone of the robo-call.
jns131
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:28 a.m.
I doubt it. Since Mr Hudson is acting principal he needs to show he can have this resolved quickly and effectively. We should hear something by Xmas. Maybe. Remember, MHSAA is involved and they take their time.
DNB
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 9:32 p.m.
As A2 parents, we just received a phone call, and also an email: Dear Huron and Pioneer High School Families, It is with a heavy heart that we share with you our concern regarding the incident that occurred during the Pioneer vs. Huron Varsity football game on Friday, October 12, 2012. This was an inexcusable and embarrassing situation for our students, the schools and the Ann Arbor Community. We all were affected by the actions that took place at Friday's football game. The incident was both unnecessary and tarnished the reputations of two outstanding schools. On behalf of the administration and staff, we will work diligently to rebuild the confidence in these programs by engaging both teams and coaching staffs in community service activities, team building and dedicated trainings on leadership skills. Several investigations are in process including the Michigan High School Athletic Association, the District and the Ann Arbor Police Department. We thank both the Huron and Pioneer communities for their support and patience as we work together to rebuild community spirit and collegiality between our two schools. Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Williams, Principal, Huron High School Kevin Hudson, Interim Principal, Pioneer High School
treetowncartel
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 9:32 p.m.
This is when you need someone like Mrs. P around. That lady could crack the whip.
Ron Granger
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.
The Pioneer coach, Paul Test, ran the score up on Dexter 69-0 earlier this season. In the Skyline game, he ran it to 50-0. His demonstrated lack of sportsmanship is an establishd pattern of behavior. His supposed attempt to blame the kids for the calls late in the game are laughable and disgusting. The highly compensated Pioneer Athletic Director is well aware of that pattern of behavior. Fire them both.
Quitcrying
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:27 p.m.
I was there also, 1st string wasn't in entire game. Plenty of players played! Goodness with a 0-8 record, and last week Dexter lost 0-49, so I guess other teams besides Pioneer run up the score, huh?
Yolanda
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : midnight
Ok to set the record straight, the 1st string players did not play the "whole" game. Yes the scores were ran up, but by students who were 2nd and 3rd string. Yes they also scored and won. I am proud of my best friends son who scored his 1st touchdown. I will proudly scream from the sidelines again.
average joe
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 11:21 p.m.
@ Mick- I wasn't there, but I was told that Pioneer had their 1st string players on the field well beyond necessary to win the game.
Mick52
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 9:59 p.m.
Alarictoo raises a good point Ron. I heard about the Dexter game score but there is a difference between running up a score with your first team players and putting your reserves on the field and give them some game time. To rein them in would be somewhat demoralizing to them because they may rarely get to play and like all players do what they are taught to do. Likewise, in a game with a wide scoring margin the team on the losing end might put their second/third team players in too and the situation could exist where 2nd/3rd team players on one team might be starters on the other. I think you play your reserves but you can't tell them not to score if there is significant time left, you gotta let 'em play, give a kid the chance to finally score a TD in front of Mom and Dad. Now to use starters to run up a score is a sign of bad sportsmanship. Are you saying that is what happened?
Jasper
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 9:52 p.m.
Looks like Dexter's record is 0-8 and skylines is similar, at what point is a loss a loss?
alarictoo
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 9:29 p.m.
At what point should the team who is winning merely leave the field?
average joe
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
Isn't there an AD at each school, & wouldn't these people be the folks in the middle of sorting it out? I don't remember reading any comments of late from these two people, if at all. Just odd.
jcj
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:36 a.m.
It is my understanding that AD Dottie Davis was given the opportunity before the smoke had even settled while she was trying to deal with the aftermath within minutes..
BobbyJohn
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:44 a.m.
AD Dottie Davis was given the opportunity to condemn the violence and decided to say no comment. I can understand it if an AD was asked who was to blame, or what happened, but when asked to make a comment about the violence, and not condemning it; inexcusable behavior on her part to not take advantage of the opportunity to take a stand against fighting and poor sportsmanship.
Ron Granger
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
The millions spent in Ann Arbor on after school sports don't seem to be having many benefits in the big picture.
a2roots
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 11:07 p.m.
You are kidding. Do you live in Ann Arbor? Have you had a child or know children that have competed for any of the high schools? I will take any athlete, male or female, and put up there life accomplishments against any other student.
anti-thug
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:43 p.m.
they are shocked?
smokeblwr
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.
Detroit PSL football has arrived in Ann Arbor. Get ready for your games to start in the middle of the day so everybody gets out of Dodge before the sun goes down.
MyCommentNow
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:31 p.m.
What has become of civility? Civility is not a weakness. Perhaps we need strong men willing to teach kindness and listening skills as virtues, particularly while engaged in aggressive games in the "heat of the moment". I'll take back the "perhaps".
mkm17
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
Not to minimize the seriousness of what happened, but how to handle this shouldn't be a complicated board issue. MHSAA (Michigan High School Athletic Association), the school's athletic department, and the school district itself have a codes of conduct. It should be pretty easy to determine if rules were broken and what the sanctions are.
ChelseaBob
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
The point of football (with the right leadership) is to teach boys how to be men. I'm not sure what Friday night taught, but it is obvious that some changes in leadership are required.
pseudo
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.
gag - its a game. really.
NoPC
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.
It's about time those schools showed a little team spirit!!
glimmertwin
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
I smell a lengthy, bureaucratic process ahead. The players involved will finish out the season. No matter what penalty is applied, it will be too late to have much impact. At least to seniors, anyway.
brimble
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.
Or we could evaluate the real value of having football programs as part of the high school sports menu altogether. We know that the risk of injury, and particularly of serious concussions, is very high in football. We know that football programs make it more difficult for schools to offer sports opportunities to girls. And we know that football programs are very expensive to run. Are they worth all of those costs, and are they worth an embarrassment like this?
Yolanda
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 11:50 p.m.
If we're going to start cutting our sport activities due to the dangers that come along with the sport, you need also consider the number of students that get hurt playing soccer also. The number of children that receive concussions while playing soccer is alarming.
Chris Blackstone
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 7:57 p.m.
The fact is, actions like what happened after the football game are inexcusable and should result in players being dismissed from the team and coaches being let go. Period. If what happened Friday night happened at a workplace, there would be criminal charges filed. The students, and it seems the coaches, need to be understand the severity of their actions by facing severe consequences. Anything less doesn't actually prepare our students for life in the "real" world.
Engineer
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
Amen Bro!!! But football is king and those involved will be given much latitude! Don't expect much, as you can see Fridays game is already a go for both teams. Sad but the way the world turns.
pseudo
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.
@Fred, I disagree. It is indeed like a work place or school room with expectations of appropriate behavior. Look at college ball (coaches get let go for these kinds of things, as do students) and criminal charges are pursued. Its similar (albeit with more complicated expectations and contractual obligations) at the pro-level. I agree with others who have posted. The football teams should be removed from further competition as a start. Then there has to be individual consequences for coaches and players and anyone else directly involved. Further, sports are an optional privilege - one that clearly hasn't been earned in this case.
Fred
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.
While you are correct that a brawl is inexcusable and punishments should be levied, the football field is nothing like the workplace. If your workplace had full contact, violent collisions occurring every 30 seconds and no confrontation ever happened, then I could see you point. You make a poor analogy.
thecompound
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
The football field should be an extension of the AAPS code of conduct that is expected during the school day. The AAPS code of conduct is pretty clear, so we will see how this plays out. There will definitely be a backlash if there is any hint of favoritism. I would expect future suspensions at schools will be challenged if this is not handled appropriately, imo.